Clayton, MO (KSDK) - A Walnut Park man accused of murder after fleeing from police in Hazelwood earlier this year had his bond raised from less than $100,000.00 to a quarter million dollars by a St. Louis County judge.

21 year old Reno Whitt Junior is charged with second degree murder in the death of Ricky Nelson, a passenger in the stolen car Whitt was driving last August 14, when he lost control on North Lindbergh near McDonnell Boulevard and slammed into a utility pole.

Police were chasing the stolen car after responding to a call at a nearby apartment complex where vehicles were being tampered with.

Whitt and two other people in the fleeing car were seriously hurt in the crash.

Along with the murder charge, Whitt is also accused of resisting arrest, assault, and multiple counts of vehicle tampering.

Prosecutors originally had Whitt held on a $96,000.00 bail but filed motions to increase the bond to $250,000.00. The motion was granted Friday.

Court records show Whitt was convicted of car theft in May 2012 and was on probation at the time of the fatal pursuit crash in Hazelwood.